Studies in the Bhagavati Sutra

Author(s): J C Sikdar
Publisher: Research Institute of Prakrit Jainology & Ahimsa Mujjaffarpur

Page 184

Sec. 1]
STUDIES IN THE BHAGAWATI SUTRA
The duties of the Ksatriyas as mentioned in stray references of the BhS consisted of study, officiating at coronation ceremony, giving and receiving of presents, governing, fighting and protection of people."
In a nutshell, the main function of the Ksatriyas can be summed up by one word "Palayāhi” (Protect).
The very term 'Ksatriya' (Khattiya) denotes 'Saviour' who is entrusted with the task of protecting the wounded.
"Kṣatatrane niyuktā hi Kṣatriyāḥ' Sastrapānayaḥ".
It reminds one of the greek word 'Soteros' (saviour) inscribed on the coins of the Bactrian Greek ruler, Diodotus who assumed this honorific title "Diodotoy Soteros" (Diodotus the Saviour).8
The Raghuvamsa of the poet Kalidasa also supports the same denotation of the term 'Ksatriya' as interpreted by the Mahapurana and the Greek legend on the coins of Diodotus.
It is stated in this poetic work that the derivation of the word 'Ksatra' which is famous in the world is made from the phrase "protects from injury", the sacred duty of the Ksatriyas.
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"Kṣatāt kila trāyata ityudagraḥ Ksatrasya sabdo Bhuvaneṣu rūḍhaḥ".
So, this most important duty of protecting the people and the state was assigned to the Ksatriyas by the society known to the BhS as it is evidenced by the fact of the highest position
1 Bhs, 9, 33, 383; 11, 9, 417; 11, 9, 429 (Uvanayana); 12, 2, 441; 13, 6, 491; 15, 1, 541
2 Ib, 9, 33, 385; 11, 9, 417; 11, 11, +31; 13, 6, 491 (Consecration).
3 Ib 11, 11, 429.
4 Ib, 9, 9, 330-301; 11, 9, 417; 11, 11, 429; 12, 2, 441;
13, 6, 491 (governing).
Ib, 7, 9, 300, 301, (fighting).
6 Ib, 11, 9, 417; 13, 6, 491 (Frotecting, Palayâhi).
7 Mahapurana Parva, 16,
243.
8 Cambridge History of India, Vol. 1 (Rapson), p. 404, pt, III, 9, Raghuvamsa of Kalidasa, Canto, II, V. 53.